Wednesday, January 6, 2010

'Zombieland' writers confirmed for 'Deadpool'

Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick — the writing duo behind "Zombieland" and Sony's proposed "Venom" movie — have been confirmed as the writers for the "Deadpool" film.

Early in December, it was revealed by CHUD that the pair were in the running to pen the screenplay. It was an exciting prospect because these two guys were responsible for creating one of the most original and entertaining genre movies we had the pleasure of seeing this year, and having them take on the "Merc with a Mouth" as a follow-up would be absolutely perfect.

Now, according to Variety, Reese and Wernick have been confirmed to pen the screenplay for "Deadpool," the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" spin-off starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular antihero.

Variety also adds that Reynolds is likely to begin shooting "Deadpool" once production has wrapped on the Warner Bros superhero flick "Green Lantern," in which he is also starring.

The actor is currently bulking up to play "Green Lantern," which starts filming next month. This is particularly convenient since Reynolds "would already be in superhero shape" for "Deadpool" thanks to the DC Comics film.

But as of right now there is no timetable for the "Deadpool" project since Reynolds is well on his way toward playing Hal Jordan. More will be known on the status of "Deadpool" in a couple of months once "Green Lantern" has finished shooting.

The spin-off is expected to develop the character into a more faithful version than was seen in "Wolverine." Marvel's comic book version of Deadpool wears a mask and costume and is known for his quips, pop-culture references and for 'breaking the fourth wall' (directly addressing the reader/audience).

With Reynolds' vision officially supported by incoming writers Reese and Wernick, not to mention the steady guidance of producer Lauren Shuler Donner, the next essential ingredient will be booking the perfect director.

Given the say he seems to have on this project, not to mention his dual superhero roles, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Reynolds himself ends up in the director's chair.

What do you think of the hiring of Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick as the "Deadpool" writers?